Katich setback for Australia

Australia have been rocked by news Simon Katich is set to miss the rest of the Ashes series with an Achilles injury.

Last Updated: 07/12/10 10:54pm

Australia have been rocked by news Simon Katich is set to miss the rest of the Ashes series with an Achilles injury.

The left-handed opener played on with the injury during the innings defeat in Adelaide.

However Katich now looks set to sit out the remaining three Tests with the problem - opening the door for a possible return for Phil Hughes.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Simon Katich has struggled through the second Test match with an Achilles tendon injury that became increasingly painful during the fielding innings.

"Achilles tendinopathy can be a complex injury and based on Simon's current symptoms and results of a scan undertaken last night, it is unlikely that he will be available to play any further part in this Ashes Series.

"I believe that with a thorough rehabilitation program Simon will be able to return to cricket some time in the new year."

Captain Ricky Ponting admitted Hughes is the most likely replacement for the third Test in Perth.

"We know what his international record is like - he made a good 80 in the second innings of the game in Hobart against England as well, he made 80-odd not out in a one-dayer for NSW the other day, so he's got a few runs under his belt lately," he said.

"He's probably the first cab off the rank, if you like, who the selectors will be talking about.

"So I'll talk to Andrew Hilditch (chairman of selectors) about that in the near future but I'd be surprised if it's not him that came in."